Before graduate studies in France
For students
If you are a non-European student (i.e. not from one of the member states of the European Economic Area, Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland, San Marino or the Vatican), you will need to obtain a visa and, depending on your situation, a residence permit.
If you are in a country covered by the Études en France procedure, you must go through the associated platform to obtain your visa. To check whether this applies to you, visit the Campus France website: HERE
There are different types of visas/residence permits for students:
Student "short-stay" visa
- three months maximum
- for students wishing to follow a short-term training course
- not renewable
Short-stay "student-competition" visa
- only valid in France
- only for non-European students wishing to sit a competitive examination or attend an interview for admission to a higher education establishment
Long-stay temporary student visa (VLS-T)
- three to six months
- not renewable
Long-stay "student" residence permit (VLS-TS)
- more than six months
- a one-year renewable residence permit must be applied for within two months of arrival in France.
For further details, we strongly recommend that you consult the
- Campus France website
- And the official France-Visas website
If you wish to work during your studies as a student, please check the conditions and rules associated with your situation:
- For European students: HERE
- For non-European students: HERE
Université Paris-Saclay offers an application that lets you find out which administrative formalities you need to complete according to your profile. We recommend that you consult this application: HERE
Sorbonne Université explains how to apply for a PhD at Sorbonne Université.
UVSQ explains how to obtain a visa and other administrative formalities related to your stay in France.
UPEC explains how to obtain your residence permit and offers a range of services.
UPEC explains the administrative procedures required for different situations.
